The ‘champ’ and the kids: Castroneves visits KRMC

Helio Castroneves (right) visits with the children and parents in the Kidsville pediatric unit of Kendall Regional Medical Center sharing stories about his time on the racetrack and Dancing with the Stars.

Helio Castroneves, three-time Indy 500 champion and winner of Dancing with the Stars, took time from his fast-paced schedule to visit with hospital patients and staff on Sept. 30 at Kendall Regional Medical Center.

Castroneves first signed many autographs for visitors in the lobby of the Emergency Room, and then visited with the pediatric patients in the Kidsville unit. He spent individual time with each of the children, talking and joking with them, and he gave each an autographed toy racecar.

“We are excited to have Helio Castroneves visit with our pediatric patients; the kids really enjoyed meeting Helio and he brought lots of smiles to their faces.” said Mauricio Sirvent, CEO of Kendall Regional Medical Center. “They will always remember the day that the racecar champ came to visit them.”